TTU coach Allen starts Sunday volleyball club

TTU coach Allen starts Sunday volleyball club

First-year Tennessee Temple University volleyball coach Latonia Allen is adding a new dimension to the development of the sport in this area.

For those who want extra instruction and work in volleyball but have trouble with the time or financial commitment of Junior Olympics club play, Allen is starting a "Sunday club" in which participants can come each week or occasionally.

Starting this Sunday, Allen and assistant Liva Brivule will run the weekly camps for girls in grades 6-12 for $15 each 3-5 p.m. session in one of Temple's two campus gyms. There will be no session on Nov. 25 or in December after the ninth, but club Sundays will resume on Jan. 6 and continue through April.

"Teaching girls how to play the game of volleyball at a more competitive level is very close to my heart," said Allen, who was a four-time all-conference player at Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia. She was a three-sport athlete in high school in Pennsylvania.

"I want to be able to do this in a way that is not about money or gear or travel," she said. "Our Sunday volleyball club requires no commitment except to work hard. The cost is $15 per session and requires no registration. Each week we will run two courts and split the girls by age and ability and put them through drills to enhance their individual skills and have them participate in live play.

"This club is for all levels, from those who want to improve to those who see themselves playing at the next level but may not have the financial means or time to commit to a larger established club. I want to bring a love and appreciation for this sport to the area for all girls."